Bertrand Russell

No one gossips about other people’s secret virtues.

Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.

Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so.

The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.

If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.

If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that’s his problem. Love and peace are eternal.

You are only as happy as your saddest child.

Youth should not be slandered. Boy nature and girl nature are less repressed and therefore more wholesome today than before. If they at times seem unimpressed by their elders, it is probably because we make a matter of authority what should be a matter of conference. These young people are new people sent to this scene by Destiny to take our places. They come with new visions to fulfill, new powers to exploit.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.

Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.

Pies, para que los quiero si tengo alas para volar. (“Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly.”)

I do believe I am special. My special gift is my vision, my commitment, and my willingness to do whatever it takes.

Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice.

Silence is so accurate.

When women come up to me like, ‘I am a freaking senator,’ or, ‘I’m a doctor,’ it’s like, ‘Damn, y’all like me? I look up to y’all!’

Hard knocks have a place and value, but hard thinking goes farther in less time.

Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence.

Opinions are like asses, every body’s got one!

Sometimes, the only way to discover who you are or what life you should lead is to do less planning and more living…